MIGRACION, PARTE 3

As you may recall, we have been to Migración 2 times with passports, visas, bank statements, letters of petition, marriage license, etc. The first time, one of us had written the the wrong date on a form. (yikes!) The second time our paper work was acceptable: we were entered into the system and told to check our "trámite" online and if nothing appeared in 10 days, to return. Something DID appear saying our petition was filed but our situation was "unresolved." Yesterday we saw a message instructing us to come in to Migración. It's like being called to the principal's office. What did I do now? What is "unresolved?"

So early this morning we gathered up our forms again and waited in line outside the office until it opened at 9:00 (or shortly thereafter). Then we knowingly said "tercera edad" and were ushered to the area where retirees wait to be called to a window. The official made two young people get out of their seats to make room for us oldies. We were first in line, and when we were called we sat at the window while Manola Ortiz (she later told us to ask for her, so we memorized her name) left her seat to gather voluminous files, and then she sat in front of her computer for a (handwringing? not me) period of time. Then she produced two large stamps, and KACHUNK, KACHUNK, she stamped some papers. This was a significant bureaucratic moment, when official-looking papers receive the KACHUNK of approval. I can't express the feeling of teary elation I felt at that moment. Things were being resolved in our favor. After we signed some forms, she told us we had to go to a bank (any bank) and deposit the two different amounts on each kachunked paper. Then we should return to her (Manola Ortiz) as soon as possible.

To the bank. It's now 10:00 a.m. so we go to an ATM and get $600.00 (más o menos, there was change involved in the amount). We go to the teller and tell her we want to pay for FM 2s. KACHUNK, KACHUNK (more times than that, and I want one of those things--they give me so much joy). Then we had to find a place to copy the bank deposit receipts (2 copies of each form=8 copies). Back to Manola Ortiz and. . .more KACHUNK, a bit of stapling, and. . .we return in 8 days, when we'll give them thumbprints and get an plastic ID card with our photos on--an FM2. Why do we want it? El sr J will explain:

Not only will we be able to open a bank account now and qualify for Social Security (government-sponsored health care), but after 5 years of FM2 status we can apply for permanent resident status. Which means no more trips to Migración to obtain forms like this: